The German national football team delivered an impressive performance in Milan on March 20, 2025, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Italy 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. This victory not only marks a pivotal moment in their campaign but also signifies Germany's first win against their longstanding rivals in Italy in 39 years.
It was an electrifying match played at the iconic Giuseppe-Meazza Stadium, drawing an audience of 60,334 fans eager to witness this storied rivalry. The game initially unfolded in favor of the home side as Italy struck first. In the 9th minute, Sandro Tonali took advantage of a defensive miscue from the German side, scoring a well-placed shot into the right corner of the net, much to the delight of the Italian supporters.
Germany struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, characterized by a lack of clinical finishing. Despite controlling the ball, they failed to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities. Director Julian Nagelsmann later reflected on the first half as being "zäh" or sluggish, noting that the structure of their play was disorganized and too chaotic.
However, the turning point came early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Nagelsmann made a crucial substitution, bringing in Tim Kleindienst for Johnny Burkhardt. This change paid immediate dividends as Kleindienst headed home an accurate cross from Joshua Kimmich, leveling the score at 1-1 and energizing the German squad.
Fueled by the equalizer, Germany began to assert more pressure on the Italian defense. They came close to taking the lead when Leon Goretzka's header narrowly missed its target after another brilliant setup by Kimmich. Goretzka, returning to the national team for the first time in 16 months, showcased his influence by constantly pushing forward and contributing to the team’s offensive efforts.
As the match progressed, both teams had opportunities to alter the game's trajectory. Oliver Baumann, Germany's goalkeeper, made several outstanding saves, notably thwarting efforts from Giacomo Raspadori in the 67th minute, which proved crucial in maintaining parity.
The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when Goretzka, capitalizing on a well-executed corner taken by Kimmich, rose above the defenders to head the ball past Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, giving Germany a 2-1 lead. The goal not only sent the German fans into raptures but also indicated Goretzka’s successful return to the squad.
After the final whistle, the mood in the German camp was one of jubilation and relief. Goretzka expressed his delight, stating, "It is obviously a very nice story. Before the game, I could picture scenarios like that, and I actually did this time." Meanwhile, Nagelsmann praised his team’s resilience and acknowledged Goretzka's standout performance, labeling him as "Player of the Match" for his significant contribution to the comeback.
German captain Joshua Kimmich also weighed in, highlighting the importance of the win given the early setback they faced. He remarked, "We are very happy about the victory, especially considering how we started. We noticed that Italy let us play. The goal [in the second half] was to deliver successful crosses from the flanks."
Looking ahead, the German squad must maintain this momentum as they prepare for the second leg of the quarterfinals, set to take place in Dortmund on March 23, 2025. A draw in the upcoming match will be sufficient for Germany to advance to the Final Four, a process that historically has been difficult against strong teams like Italy.
Conversely, the Italian team left the pitch with a sense of disappointment but also the realization that they had created several chances and performed well overall. Donnarumma, reflecting on Italy's performance, remarked, "We could have avoided the second goal. We are taking a very good performance home with us. We have created many goal-scoring opportunities. We will work even harder and think about what we need to improve to do better in Dortmund."
As the two teams prepare for their rematch, the stakes are undoubtedly high. For Germany, this win marks an important step in their quest for UEFA Nations League glory, potentially leading them towards their first title since 2020. Meanwhile, Italy must regroup and address the issues that led to their defeat if they hope to keep their tournament dreams alive.
This thrilling match continues to add chapters to the long-standing footballing narrative between these two nations, entwined in history and rivalry. As the action shifts back to Germany, fans will eagerly await what promises to be another gripping encounter.
